Singapore Experts Take a Quick‑Fire on Nose‑Spray COVID Vaccines
Why do the experts care?
Scientists in Singapore are buzzing about vaccines that you can spray into your nose or swallow instead of the usual shot. The idea? To give your upper airway a super‑shield right where the virus likes to hang out.
The High‑Five Logic
- Targeted Immunity: Nasal sprays mimic how SARS‑CoV‑2 enters, so the immune system gets a quick, local response.
- Transmission Buster? If the virus is neutralised at the nose, there’s a better chance of stopping person‑to‑person spread.
- Vaccines in the Wild — China recently green‑lit an inhaled vaccine for trials, while Oxford and Singapore’s own Esco Aster are also stepping up the game.
“We don’t know yet,” the experts say
Dr. Sylvie Alonso points out that clinical trials are still a must before we can claim these nasal or oral shots are safer or more effective than the shots that get the headlines.
Professor Ooi Eng‑Eong adds that, while the science is promising, you need solid evidence that these new routes actually save a ton of money and are easy to roll out—especially in low‑ and middle‑income countries.
Safety First (And Sniff‑Friendly)
- Nasal road‑trip to the brain? The vaccine must not wander into your skull. That’s a top priority for developers.
- Whoops, the sneeze! One of the hiccups: you might sneeze right after you spray the vaccine, which could strip away some of the dose.
What’s Next for Singapore?
No nasal COVID shots are licensed yet, but Singapore already has oral vaccines on the shelf—think liquid polio and pill‑tipped typhoid. The locals are hopeful that a fresh nasal spray could become a game‑changer in the near future.
In short, the nose‑spray idea is exciting but still in the lab. Keep an eye on the upcoming trials; the next version of the COVID vaccine might just be a breath‑of‑fresh‑air type affair!
